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Roof Manual
Roof Manual
On June 9, 1915, at a meeting of the Trustees Each bundle of product has the mill's Mansard Roof Details page 6
of the West Coast Lumber Manufacturers distinctive Certi-label tucked under the bundle
Association, it was agreed to establish a strap. Asking for “the blue label” or “number Low Slope Roof Details page 7
branch of the association to serve those one blue label” is not specific enough: CSSB
members who manufactured shingles. Our members' products are the only ones with the Hip & Ridge Details page 7
influence grew, and as we survived both the Certi brand name on the label.
Great Depression and World War II, Roof Juncture Details pages 8-9
manufacturers continued their quality
Approved Installer Guidelines
commitment. In 1963 the organization Roof Valley
merged with the Handsplit Shake Bureau to Good workmanship is crucial to the integrity Flashing Details page 10
become the Red Cedar Shingle & Handsplit of any roofing system. Installers should read
Shake Bureau. this manual carefully and ensure that they Roof Projection
follow proper workmanship practices. CSSB Flashing Details page 11
Manufacturers' product lines continued to
Approved Installers agree to follow the
broaden and, in 1988, the members changed
guidelines in this manual, or local code Roof Fastener
the organization's name to the Cedar Shake &
regulations, if stricter than the guidelines Guidelines page 12
Shingle Bureau. In the late 1980s, mill quality
contained in this manual.
control inspections were subcontracted to
independent, third party quality control Ventilation Details pages 13-14
agencies. Product Warranty
Specialty Roof
Each year the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau's The CSSB administers a product warranty for Deck Details page 15-16
staff answer thousands of technical questions Certi-label product applications performed by
and product selection queries. Our proud an Approved Installer. Warrantied Certi-label
products include ONLY Premium Grade and Cold Roof System
history, quality reputation and dedicated
Number 1 Grade materials. Details pages 17-18
members provide excellent Certi-label™
cedar shake and shingle roofing and
Note: This manual replaces all previous High Humidity
siding products.
versions of the "Cedar Shake and Shingle Area Details page 19
Bureau Design and Application Manual
for New Roof Construction.” Coverage &
Exposure Tables page 20
Certi-Split Tapersplit
Produced by hand, using a sharp bladed steel froe and a mallet. The natural
CERTI-SPLIT shingle-like taper is achieved by reversing the block, end-for-end, with each
PREMIUM GRADE
100% Edge Grain
Handsplit Red Cedar Shakes split. Premium Grade only.
CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE BUREAU
THE RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY SINCE 1915
SUMAS, WASHINGTON (604) 820-7700
Certi-Split Straight-Split
Produced by machine or in the same manner as tapersplit shakes except
CERTI-SPLIT that by splitting from the same end of the block, the shakes acquire the
PREMIUM GRADE
100% Edge Grain
Handsplit Red Cedar Shakes same thickness throughout. Premium Grade only.
CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE BUREAU
THE RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY SINCE 1915
SUMAS, WASHINGTON (604) 820-7700
(604) 820-7700
Number 4 Undercoursing
A utility grade for undercoursing of double coursed sidewalls only. Not a
roofing material and not to be used as a starter course for roofs.
(604) 820-7700
2 CERTI-LABEL PRODUCTS
PRESSURE-TREATED FIRE-RETARDANT SHAKES & SHINGLES Certi-label products can also be treated. Products are available either
CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE BUREAU
fire-retardant-treated OR preservative-treated. Special care must be taken to
follow the treatment company’s recommended installation instructions.
CERTI-LAST
R and Number 1 Grades of Certigrade shingles are available preservative-treated
by pressure processes. This product is ideal in areas of high humidity. Specify
PRESERVATIVE TREATED CEDAR SHAKES & SHINGLES
CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE BUREAU the Certi-Last treating label for this extra protection. Contact the treatment
company for treatment warranty information, accessory product requirements
(including recommended fastener types) and application details for treated
cedar material.
Note: Cedar’s natural color varies as shown in these examples, yet without
applying a paint or stain it will all weather to a beautiful gray.
Sheathing
Certi-label shakes
Shakes and shingles may be applied over Product should project 1 1/2"
Spaced sheathing
spaced sheathing. Spaced sheathing is usually beyond the fascia and
1 x 4 or 1 x 6 softwood boards and shall not approximately 1"
be less than 1 x 4 boards. over the gable
or rake end
Solid sheathing is acceptable and may be
required in seismic regions or under treated
shakes and shingles. Solid sheathing is used in
areas with wind-driven snow. Please note that
the only solid sheet sheathing tested with Solid sheathing at eave
Gutter Rafter
shakes and shingles is plywood. Check with
Fascia Eave protection
your local building official for plywood Rafter header
thickness/dimensions. Eave protection is used
on the edge where 36" felt underlay is used
Figure 1: Spaced Sheathing
and should extend up at least 24" beyond the For applications using varied exposures, the center of the
exterior wall but it is not meant to cover the sheathing board should be equal to the distance of the exposure.
entire roof.
2 x 4 spacers
1 x 4 or 1 x 6
Certi-label shingles nailing strips Solid sheathing
Rafter header
Rafter
Convex Juncture
On this type of juncture (Figure 9) metal Figure 9: Convex Roof Juncture
flashings should be installed to cover the top
4" of the wall and the bottom 8" of the roof
slope before the final course of Certi-label
shakes or shingles is nailed to the top of the
wall. A strip of wood molding can be applied
after final wall course is installed. A double or
triple starter course is then applied at the
eave, with a 1 1/2" overhang over outside wall Double starter course Double starter course
trim. The roof can then be completed in the
Two last courses Metal flashing
normal manner.
over flashing
Concave Juncture
Metal flashings for the concave juncture
(Figure 10) are similar to those for the convex
type. They should be installed to cover the top
of the roof slope and the bottom 4" of the Metal flashing
wall before the final course of Certi-label
shakes or shingles is installed. The final roof Figure 10: Concave Roof Juncture
course should be installed so that the tips fit
as snugly as possible against the wall at the
juncture. A double starter course should be
applied at the start of the wall surface and the
remaining wall courses applied in the
recommended manner. If nails are not Interwoven felt
acceptable through exposed metal, metal clips Steeper slope roof
for shakes only
can be used to hold down flashing.
36" starter felt
Roof Transitions Double starter course
Roof transitions (Figure 11) require
appropriate flashing, felt and product
Lower slope roof
application. Changes in roof slope should be Metal flashing
detailed in a similar manner as concave 6" up - 6" below
junctures, to ensure the integrity of the roof
system. Solid sheathing is required above and Solid sheathing at
below the change in slope, metal flashing is transition areas
required across the change in slope, and a 36" Product should project
strip of starter felt is required on the upper 1 1/2" beyond the fascia and
slope, installed in the same fashion as at the approximately 1" over
the gable or rake end
eaves.
Figure 11: Low Slope to Steep Slope Roof Transition Detail - Certi-label Shakes
(Certigrade shingle application is similar but without felt interlay)
ROOF JUNCTURE DETAILS 9
Apex Juncture
On this roof juncture (Figure 12) metal
flashing should cover the top 8" of the roof
and the top 4" of the wall. It should be
installed before the final course of Certi-label
shakes or shingles is applied to the wall. The Ridge cap
recommended sequence of application is to
apply Certi-label shakes or shingles first to the
wall then to the roof. The overhanging roof Last course For excessive sweep
material is then trimmed flush with the wall. over flashing Metal shingles may be
Finally, specially prepared ridge units are flashing steam bent
applied over the wall-roof juncture so that in
each matching pair the roof piece overlaps
the wall piece each time.
Sheathing
Counter
flashing
Certi-label product
3" minimum
Important Notes:
Underdriving or overdriving any
fastener will affect the integrity of
the roofing system.
Certi-Guard (fire-retardant-treated)
or Certi-Last (preservative-treated)
shakes and shingles:
ALWAYS ask the treatment company
which fasteners are recommended for
YES NO NO
use with their pressure-treated Certi-
Correct - flush with surface Underdriven Overdriven
label shakes or shingles. Some
fasteners are not compatible with
treated material. The CSSB does not Nails
recommend the use of electro Each Certi-label shake or shingle should be
galvanized (EG) fasteners. applied with two corrosion-resistant
fasteners, such as stainless steel (type 304 or
316), hot-dipped zinc coated (ASTM A 153/
A 153 M), or aluminum nails or other
Fasteners fastener as accepted by your local building
Type of Certi-label Nail Type and official. Minimum nail lengths are shown in
the fastener chart on the left.
Shake or Shingle Minimum Length
Staples
Certi-Split & Certi-Sawn Shakes Type (in) Staples should be aluminum or stainless
18" Straight-Split 5d Box 1 3/4 steel (type 304 or 316) 16 gauge or other
fastener as accepted by your local building
18" and 24" Handsplit-and-Resawn 6d Box 2 official. Two staples should be driven per
Certi-label shake or shingle with the staple
24" Tapersplit 5d Box 1 3/4 crowns 7/16" minimum horizontal,
maximum 3/4" horizontal, to the Certi-label
18" and 24" Tapersawn 6d Box 2
shake or shingle butt. Staples are driven in
Certigrade Shingles Type (in) the same location as nails relative to the
sides and overlapping butt line. Staples
16" and 18" Shingles 3d Box 1 1/4 should be long enough to penetrate into the
sheathing at least 3/4" or all the way through
24" Shingles 4d Box 1 1/2 and driven flush with the surface of the
Certi-label shake or shingle.
Insulation
Roof rafter
Certi-label shakes and shingles are an Figures 20 & 21: Cold Roof Systems
excellent roofing material for cold weather
areas that experience heavy snowfall and
Ridge vent
severe temperature extremes. Certi-label Certi-label shakes or shingles
shakes and shingles offer the advantages of (applied per specification)
durability, superior wind resistance and good
thermal and acoustical properties. As with
any other roofing material, however, their
best performance depends upon proper pac
e
design, sound construction practice and te ds
Ven
correct installation.
In cold weather areas and particularly in
mountain regions that experience very heavy
snowfall, the cold roof - or vented roof Spaced
Trim
Vented space
system - is recommended (Figure 20 & 21). sheathing
The principle of this system is to allow a Rafter
constant flow of cold air above the insulation Insulation
but below the roofing material. With other
roofing systems, ice buildup along the eaves
can be a problem. Heat escapes from the
Figure 20: Gable Roof
insulation and melts snow, which runs down
the roof to the cold overhangs where it
Cap
freezes, causing water to back up and
sometimes penetrate the roof systems. A Certi-label shakes or shingles
(applied per specification) Screen
properly installed, vented cold roof
eliminates this problem. Venting space
should be sufficient to allow a free flow of air
from eave to ridge. Double starter
course
There are a number of important
considerations that influence roof
performance in areas of heavy snowfall,
particularly mountain regions.
Decking
Design, of course, is very important. The
Screen
steeper the roof the better the performance. Rigid insulation
Chimneys should be located at the ridge or
gable ends away from possible snow
pressure on the slopes. Plumbing pipes
should be located on inside walls and should Figure 21: Shed Roof
be extended between the rafters and vented
at the ridge. If this is not practical then
plumbing vent pipes should be galvanized
iron, well anchored inside the roof. (Plastic
vent pipes extending through the roof may
be dislodged by sliding snow.)
Screen
4. Use a continuous ventilation product Figure 22a: Vertical Strips Over Solid Sheathing Application
beneath the Certi-label roofing material (Option 2 Depicted)
(See Figure 22b).
Shake
starter course Solid sheathing
36" felt
underlay
(a) 5 bundIes will cover 100 sq. ft, roof area when used as starter-finish course at 10" weather (f) Note: While most shakes are packed in
exposure; 7 bundles will cover 100 sq. ft. roof area at 7 1/2” weather exposure; see footnote (d). bundles of 12 courses each side (12/12) they
may be packed 9/9. This will alter the number
(b) Maximum recommended weather exposure for 3-ply roof construction. of bundles required to cover 1 square.
(c) Maximum recommended weather exposure for 2-ply roof construction. For example: 18" shake bundles 12/12 should
cover 100 square feet at 7 1/2" exposure. 9/9
(d) All coverage based on an average 1/2" spacing between shakes. pack should give 75% coverage of a square.
(e) Maximum recommended weather exposure. When ordering check with your supplier to
confirm bundle size.
*100 sq. ft. coverage is based on 12/12 pack, 5 bundle square, at 7 1/2” exposure.
Please Note: ONLY experienced Experienced care and maintenance Pressure-treated Certi-Guard or Certi-Last
professionals who follow proper safety professionals can make recommendations products should not receive after-market
and workmanship practices should based on: roof treatments without written permission
implement the information contained from the manufacturer of such products.
herein. • Zinc or copper strips nailed at the ridge
cap can be effective to control moss. A Word About Topical Treatments
Certi-label Cedar Is Naturally Reaction between rain and the zinc or
copper forms a mild solution that is
For Installed Roofs
Long-Lasting carried down sections of the roof. The There are hundreds of companies offering
Cedar shakes and shingles have been used optional use of these strips can be topical roof spraying and cleaning services.
for hundreds of years. They have proven eliminated if you are using Certi-Last The Cedar Bureau has conducted an in-
their longevity in actual weather conditions, products. depth study of care and maintenance
in all types of climates. Cedar shakes and systems, and provides the following
shingles contain oils that make them • Overhanging branches should be kept summary:
naturally decay resistant. Their insulative trimmed away from the roof. This will
qualities, aesthetic appeal, and wind & prevent leaves, small branches and other • Avoid the fly-by-night operation that has
impact resistance make Certi-label cedar debris from building up and keeping the no permanent office, no workmanship
shakes and shingles the natural choice for roof wet. guarantee, and no local references. Fly-by-
your roofing and siding material. night operations often gouge consumers
• Gutters and downspouts need to be for thousands of dollars beyond the value
cleaned regularly, usually in the spring of their service, leaving them with
Longevity Starts With A Quality and fall. Downspouts (leaders) should run damaged roofs covered with unsuitable
Manufacturer directly to the ground or to another gutter and sometimes dangerous treatment
Not all cedar products are alike. Purchasing below. Never let a downspout drain products.
cedar products with the "Certi" brand name directly onto a lower roof surface.
on the bundle label guarantees you that the If you elect to have a topical treatment
• Cedar needs to breathe, and therefore applied to your cedar roof, the Cedar
mill undergoes inspections by an
needs to be kept clean. Do not allow Bureau recommends the following:
independent third party inspection agency.
leaves, branches or other debris to build
Only Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau member
up on the roof. Both surface areas and 1. Check references (consumer, Better
mills are allowed to label their products with
keyways (spaces between shakes and Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce).
the Certi-label. Each member mill's bundles
shingles) need to be kept clear.
will have the distinctive Certi-label tucked 2. Ask about the treatment product that is
under the bundle strap. Locating Certi-label • Ensure ventilation is available, year round. being used (more details follow).
products is as close as your nearest Areas with louvers, ridge vents, roof vents,
computer or telephone. Contact the Cedar and soffit vents need to be kept clear and 3. Ask to see the company's workmanship
Bureau for more information. never blocked off. Adequate ventilation guarantee, license and workers'
ensures heat and moisture do not build compensation coverage.
Longevity Continues With A up in the attic area. Adequate ventilation
Quality Installation also prevents water from accumulating at
the bottom of the roof and then freezing
Roof construction plays a major role in
(ice damming).
determining the lifespan of cedar roofs.
Proper design is absolutely critical to ensure
long-term roof integrity. Proper installation Certi-label Cedar Is Also Available
will help maximize the life of cedar products. With Pressure-Impregnated
Cedar Bureau Approved Installers have met Treatment Process
membership criteria and continue to prove
For even longer life span, where climate is a
themselves with each job they complete.
factor, Cedar Bureau members offer Certi-
Approved Installers offer a workmanship
Last preservative-treated shakes and
guarantee, references, and are the only
shingles. These products are ideal for areas
contractors authorized to give homeowners
of high humidity.
the warranty administered by the Cedar
Bureau. Locating Approved Installers is as Certi-Last products are cedar shakes and
close as your nearest computer or shingles that are factory pressure-treated by
telephone. Contact the Cedar Bureau for the quality treaters who are members of the
names of members in your area. Cedar Bureau. Contact the treatment
company for warranty details.
Architects: CBT/Childs Bertman Tseckares & Casendino Inc.,
Photo: Wheeler Photographics
22 CEDAR CARE AND MAINTENANCE OVERVIEW
Topical Treatment Products Powerwashing
It is not within the Cedar Bureau's mandate to This is the most controversial issue in the care
recommend brand names of topical roof and maintenance industry. It is a fact that high
treatment products. Consult with your local pressure washing by inexperienced people
professionals for product information will cause significant damage to any material.
regarding cleaning and preserving cedar in Some debris can easily be removed with
your area. The Cedar Bureau does, however, garden hose pressure. Some contractors
recommend the following: powerwash to clean roofs, while others do
not. If powerwashing is used, the roof should
DO use a topical treatment receive a topical treatment to restore the roof.
product that: The Cedar Bureau recommends having a
professional assess each job on an individual
• Offers a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet basis to determine if powerwashing is
that lists product ingredients and safety appropriate or not. Care and maintenance
precautions) professionals know the proper procedures,
which include factoring in:
• Is labeled as a cedar roof treatment product
or has a letter from the manufacturer • Age, condition and environment of roof
stating that treating cedar roofs is an
appropriate use for this product • Gallons sprayed per minute
This information has been designed to aid 8. All solid sheathing shall be lumber or 14. Premium and Number 1 Grade Certi-
architects, consultants and builders in structural panels applied according to label shakes/shingles shall be applied
specifying Certi-label shakes and shingles. It specifications of the American Plywood with the weather exposures consistent
suggests a standardized terminology and style Association. Please note: the only solid with the following tables:
for ordering in the hope of improving accuracy. sheet sheathing tested with shakes and Maximum weather exposure
It incorporates a general outline of the latest shingles is plywood. Check with your local Shingle 3:12 to 4:12 4:12 and
application information. Please note, however, building official for plywood thickness/ length roof slope steeper
that this is a specification guide only. The dimensions.
information in this manual is not intended 16" 3 3/4" 5"
to supercede local building codes. Refer to Roofing Felt Interlay 18" 4 1/4" 5 1/2"
local building codes for more information. (for shakes only) 24" 5 3/4" 7 1/2"
General Specification Data 9. Contractor shall apply a 36" wide strip of Shake length and exposure
Type 30 minimum roofing felt at the eave
1. The contractor shall cover all roof 18 " 7 1/2"
line. An 18" wide strip of Type 30 roofing
surfaces with Certi-Split shakes/Certi- felt shall be applied over the top portion 24" 10"
Sawn shakes/Certigrade shingles of the Certi-label shakes and extend onto Note exception for resawn shakes:
bearing the Cedar Shake & Shingle the sheathing. Bottom edge of felt shall be 24" x 3/8" shake = 7 1/2"
Bureau's official grade marked label. positioned at a distance above the butt
2. Shakes/shingles for roofs shall be (specify equal to twice the weather exposure. 15. Chimney flashing shall extend up the
grade and length). Note: felt interlay between courses is not chimney to a height not less than 3", up
necessary when straight-split, or taper- the roof slope to a point equal in
3. Shakes/shingles for outer courses shall be split shakes are applied in snow-free areas height to the flashing on the chimney but
(specify grade and length). at weather exposures of less than one- never less than 1 1/2 times the Certi-
4. Shakes/shingles for undercourses shall be third the total shake length (3-ply roof). label shake/shingle exposure. (All metal
(specify grade and length). flashings should be painted.)
5. Roof shakes/shingles shall be laid with a Roofing General Application Data Manufactured step-flashing:
weather exposure of (specify in inches). 5" x 7" shingle = 2 1/2" wall, 2 1/2" roof
10. Certi-label shakes/shingles shall be at 8" x 12" shakes = 4" wall, 4” roof
least doubled at all eaves.
Roof Application-Sheathing Boards 16. Apron counter flashing shall extend
11. Butts of the Certi-label shakes/shingles in to within 1" of the surface of the
6. Certi-Split shakes/Certi-Sawn shakes/
the first course on roofs shall project 11/2" finished roof.
Certigrade shingles shall be applied
from the edge of roof eaves to insure
over spaced sheathing. Solid sheathing is
proper spill into gutters and approximately
acceptable and may be required in seismic
1" at gable and rake edge.
regions or under treated shakes and
shingles. In areas where wind-driven 12. Certigrade shingles shall be spaced apart
snow is common, solid sheathing is not less than 1/4", nor more than 3/8".
recommended under shakes. Please note: 13. Certi-Split or Certi-Sawn shakes shall be
the only solid sheet sheathing tested with spaced apart not less than 3/8," nor more
shakes and shingles is plywood. Check with than 5/8".
your local building official for plywood
thickness/dimensions.
7. All open sheathing shall be 1 x 4 or 1 x 6
boards (minimum 1 x 4 for both shakes
and shingles).
1
1
2 NUMBER 1 GRADE
Handsplit Red Cedar Shakes
3 CEDAR SHAKE & SHINGLE BUREAU
THE RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY SINCE 1915
SUMAS, WASHINGTON (604) 820-7700
12
Litho in Canada www.cedarbureau.org Country of Manufacture
6 Mill Name
Mill Location 13
Mill Phone Number
7 PACKING
14
HEAVY RESAWS COVERAGE CHART
100 sq. ft. (9.3 m2 )
8 24" x 3/4"
(610.0 mm X 19.0 mm)
BUNDLES
5
EXPOSURE
10" (250 mm)
15
1. The ”Certi” Brand Name - Your Quality Assurance 9. ”CSSB” Label Number
2. Product Grade 10. Building Code Compliance Numbers
3. Product Type 11. Product Performance Tests Passed
4. Independent, 3rd Party, Quality Control Agency 12. Label Identification Number
5. This Number Shows Compliance with Total Quality 13. UPC Code
Manufacturing System 14. Coverage Chart and Recommended Exposure
6. Mill Name, Location and Phone Number 15. Application Instructions on Reverse Side
7. Industry Product Description
8. Product Dimensions
R